21/10/16 Straight From The Trainers Mouth

Richard Johnson

2.45 Cheltenham Aristo Du Plessis 7/2

He had some decent form over hurdles, climbing up to a rating of 150. If he can repeat that level of form, he will have a decent chance. This does look like a competitive renewal of this race, though, and Marracudja looks like the one we all have to beat. Presenting Arms is another danger and he has the advantage of experience over fences.

★★★★☆

3.20 Cheltenham Valhalla 9/2

I liked Valhalla when I won on him at Exeter back in April. He’s only a six-year-old and ran a decent race in a valuable handicap at Newton Abbot last time. That form should give him an each-way squeak in this wide-open handicap hurdle. I think Tim Vaughan’s Dadsintrouble is a big danger from the bottom of the weights. He looks like a real improver.

★★★☆☆

4.30 Cheltenham Casper King 4/1

Casper King has finished second on all five of his career starts, but he’s got a good attitude and has plenty of experience now. He’s had a run compared with plenty in this field who haven’t and that will benefit him. There are, of course, a number of unknown quantities in this race, but I wouldn’t put anyone off him. He’s my best chance on Friday, fingers crossed.

★★★★☆

5:40 Cheltenham Wishfull Dreaming 2/1

That said, an even better chance would have been Wishfull Dreaming who goes in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle. I obviously can’t ride him in this, but he felt like an improving horse at Chepstow a couple of weeks ago. He’s got a 7lb penalty for that win, although I don’t think an extra half stone would have stopped him last time. Ciaran Gethings rides him and takes 3lbs off which is another help. I schooled Wishfull Dreaming on Wednesday and he felt in really good form. He’ll be very hard to beat tomorrow.

★★★★★

Nigel Twiston-Davies

2.10 Cheltenham- Templeross 11/2

Is yet to be out of the first two in 5 starts, the last time out win at Newton Abbot last time showing he is on the upgrade. Though he meets just four rivals here, this is his toughest race so far, yet with more improvement to come can go close. Ryan Hatch aboard.

★★★★☆

3.20 Cheltenham - Florrie Boy 12/1

Won two handicaps off of 105 and 112 respectively but a further 12lb rise to 124 seemed to anchor him on his last outing at Haycock in May. Back down a couple here, he needs to find some more but still only a 5yo that's not out of the question. Jamie Bargary takes off 5lbs and the pair can be given a decent each way chance.

★★★☆☆

4.30 Cheltenham- Gulshanigans 50/1

Has had just two bumper outings, finishing midfield in both having gone well for a long way. The switch to hurdles should see some improvement, and this is a tough start but a good run still expected, Ryan aboard.

★★☆☆☆

5.05 Chetenham - Brownville 18/1

Won nicely over 3m two outings ago off of 110 but a rise to 118 seemed to prove restrictive last time at Uttoxeter in June. Off the same mark here, Zane Baker takes off 3lbs and the pair may well have enough to threaten the places. Another good run expected and may prove good value.

★★★☆☆

4.20 Doncaster - Arthur McBride 12/1

Ran a blinder to win at Goodwood a couple of weeks ago over 2m, holding off a late challenge. He gets a 6lb penalty, is back in trip by a furlong but may have more to come. Thomas Brown rides, looks to have good value each way credentials.

★★★☆☆

David Pipe

5.05 Cheltenham        Gary Charm 20/1

He is a 12/1 chance in the Racing Post and is ridden by Rex Dingle who takes a handy seven pounds off our top weight.  Our eight year old grey is having his first run for Pond House and it will be interesting to see how he get's on.  His recent form as not been so good but he has won 10 of 30 races in France.

★★☆☆☆

5.40 Cheltenham        Purple n Gold 33/1

Purple N Gold runs in the 5.40pm Conditonal jockey's handicap hurdle ridden by David Noonan.  He is a big price, 25/1 and he has had a busy summer but on his best form he does look to have a small each way chance.

★★☆☆☆

George Baker

5:30 Doncaster – East India 7/1

East India, who has put together a run of consistent efforts, heads to Doncaster for the Amateur Rider's Handicap. Simon Walker riding for us again, and at the top of the amateur tree. A large field, and plenty with chances, and I just hope that our fellow maintains his positive curve. He did not run that long ago, but opportunities on the turf are drying up as we head towards the end of the turf season...

★★★☆☆

Michael Bell

3.00 Newbury Bocking End 16/1

has been dropped back in class. She should be happier in handicap company and hopefully will give a good account of herself.

★★★☆☆

4.45 Newbury Giant Redwood 22/1

takes his chance in the apprentice race. If he can recreate his earlier form he should have a good chance.

★★★★☆

Roger Charlton

2.25 Newbury Solar Cross 14/1

Solar Cross makes his debut in a typical Newbury Maiden, with big stables represented and even one of the best looking Frankels, in the shape of Commander, who took everyone’s eye at the sales. Solar Cross is an imposing horse by Sea the Stars, out of a mare that was placed in the Mill Reef. As with all of ours, he will make a big step forward from the race, but he is ready for the outing.

★★★☆☆

3.35 Newbury Cloudberry 6/4

Cloudberry has done well to win his 3 races this season improving at every step of the way. He is a very good looking horse and has taken time to strengthen up, and looks in good shape. He is still on a mark of 84 having won races with an apprentice on, and this looks a good opportunity to try and make it 4 from 4.  He will be a lovely horse next year.

★★★★★

Hugo Palmer

16:20 Doncaster - Not Never 6/1
He has run two good races after coming back from a long break, and is in fact 2lb well-in after his second at Salisbury last time, so hopefully he will run well again. He is in the Horses In Training sale on Tuesday.
★★★★☆

16:55 Doncaster - Paris Magic 15/2
He didn't look to stay 1m4f at Newcastle last time, for which the handicapper dropped him 3lb, so it looks like this is his trip. He has been consistent without winning so he deserves to win a race, and hopefully this is it with Josephine Gordon taking off another 3lb.
★★★★☆